The Panaji Special POCSO Court has convicted and sentenced Mohammed Jhunnu, a native of Siwan, Bihar, to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment for having sexual intercourse with a minor girl. The court held that sexual relations with a minor constitute statutory rape under Indian law and that the victim’s consent is immaterial.
Jhunnu, who worked as an electrician in the victim’s Vasco neighbourhood, had a relationship with the minor that resulted in her pregnancy. Forensic evidence played a decisive role: a DNA profiling report confirmed that the child’s DNA matched both the victim and the accused, establishing paternity.
The defence argued the relationship was consensual, noted Jhunnu’s financial support for the child, and said families had discussed marriage once the victim reached majority.
The court rejected these arguments, observing that the victim remains a minor and marriage arrangements cannot validate the act.
While the prosecution sought the maximum sentence, the court considered the consensual background and the accused’s young age before imposing a 10-year rigorous imprisonment term.
